Today's game previews -- July 22
The Triple-A Norfolk Tides play on the road against the Gwinnett Braves, and the Double-A Bowie Baysox visit the Harrisburg Senators.
The Single-A Frederick Keys meet the Salem Red Sox, while the Single-A Delmarva Shorebirds take on the Greenville Drive.
The short-season Single-A Aberdeen IronBirds host the Mahoning Valley Scrappers at Ripken Stadium, and the Rookie-level Bluefield Orioles face the Greeneville Astros.
Right-hander Chris Tillman was originally listed as tonight's starting pitcher for the Tides, but left-hander Chris Waters is now scheduled to make the start.
Tillman is now expected to start tomorrow night's game for the Tides. With the Orioles' scheduled off day tomorrow, this puts the 21-year-old starter back on the same rotation as right-hander Jason Berken.
Let the speculation begin on whether Tillman will be starting for the Orioles on Tuesday night against the Kansas City Royals at Camden Yards. He would have four days rest after making tomorrow's start.
Tides outfielder Joey Gathright was placed on the disabled list yesterday, retroactive to July 19, with a hamstring injury. Teammate Justin Christian was also added to the disabled list recently, so it's a good thing the team signed Victor Diaz earlier this week.
Norfolk Tides (AAA)
Record: (54-41)
Opponent
at Gwinnett Braves (7 p.m.)
Probable pitchers
Norfolk: Chris Waters (8-3, 4.24 ERA)
Gwinnett: Jo-Jo Reyes (0-1, 4.15 ERA)
Bowie Baysox (AA)
Record: (53-44)
Opponent
at Harrisburg Senators (7 p.m.)
Probable pitchers
Bowie: Radhames Liz (3-1, 2.43 ERA)
Harrisburg: Cory VanAllen (2-4, 5.52 ERA)
Frederick Keys (A)
Record: (13-11 in second half, 44-49 overall)
Opponent
at Salem Red Sox (7:05 p.m.)
Probable pitchers
Frederick: Rick Zagone (0-2, 4.91 ERA)
Salem: Jose Capellan (5-2, 5.97 ERA)
Delmarva Shorebirds (A)
Record: (12-12 in second half, 48-45 overall)
Opponent
at Greenville Drive (7 p.m.)
Probable pitchers
Delmarva: Oliver Drake (5-6, 3.96 ERA)
Greenville: Stolmy Pimentel (9-3, 2.84 ERA)
Aberdeen IronBirds (A)
Record: (12-19)
Opponent
Mahoning Valley Scrappers (7:05 p.m.)
Probable pitchers
Aberdeen: Colin Allen (0-3, 8.53 ERA)
Mahoning Valley: Brett Brach (0-1, 4.05 ERA)
Bluefield Orioles (Rookie)
Record: (14-14)
Opponent
Greeneville Astros (7 p.m.)
Probable pitchers
Bluefield: Robert Bundy (2-3, 5.59 ERA)
Greeneville: Gabriel Garcia (0-3, 13.24 ERA)
Comments
GH3 is hanging in there so far. 46 Ab 3 KO's is pretty good. He's a long shot but you never know. The Goodster really likes him. I know you are pulling for him. Thanks Jr. If I see you down there next month. I'm buying.My daughter[ his aunt Dana who happens to run " The Red Eye Marina" told me where to stay near the park.If there's a brawl GH3 will be in front of #1, for sure ! Gary can go. Thank's again. Glenn or Herb.
Posted by: Herb | July 23, 2009 5:42 AM
Victor Diaz?!! Now there's a blast from the past.
Truth be told, Vic Diaz is probably a better hitter than most in the O's current lineup.
He's pretty good.
Posted by: Hal W. | July 23, 2009 8:04 AM
would rather see tillman struggle with hope for the future rather than see hill struggle with no hope for the future... also, send berkin back down already!
Posted by: gordonschwartz | July 23, 2009 8:17 AM
We want Tillman! We want Tillman! We want Tillman!
Posted by: Ron | July 23, 2009 8:50 AM
Dean:
Why isn't Tyle Townsend playing at Aberdeen? He hasn't played in a couple of weesk, is he hurt? Thanks
RESPONSE FROM DEAN: I've heard from some people who attended games in Aberdeen that he was seen with his wrist wrapped up, but I can't confirm that. If that's the case, it's likely a wrist injury, but he hasn't been placed on the disabled list by the team. I'll see what I can find out today.
Posted by: k wilmore | July 23, 2009 9:23 AM
It's time to let Berken work on his pitching in AAA. It's also time to let Hill go down also or even lose him on waivers. Tillman has earned the right to pitch here now. The other spot should go to Chris waters. He has not gotten the chances he should have with the O's. Arrietta should be brought up Sept 1 for at least 3 or 4 starts before he is shut down for the year.
RESPONSE FROM DEAN: Bill, I agree with you about Waters. I just had this conversation with someone the other day about how he should be in Baltimore, in my opinion, at least for the time being.
Posted by: Bill in Salisbury | July 23, 2009 10:27 AM
I want the young pitchers up here, too, but I understand the argument against it: The O's are not a good team right now, with some holes in the lineup and on the bench. Bringing a young pitcher onto a bad team could really set him back, as he tries to pitch beyond his ability in order to make up for the team's weaknesses. Better to let him have a great year in the minors--as our prospects are doing--maybe call him up in September, and give him his first real role on the club next year, when there's a possibility the whole young team will be a little stronger.
Posted by: Danny in WV | July 23, 2009 11:12 AM
Both tillman and matuscz have already shown they have the ability to pitch in the big leads, and the attitude to go with it.... promote them both and get rid of hill and berken.... why wait?
Posted by: Colin | July 23, 2009 1:02 PM